Crews on West Fork fire complex fight hot, dry weather

FILE -- The sun sets as the Papoose fire continues to burn near Creede on June 25, 2013. (AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post)

Community members impacted by the West Fork fire complex are invited to a meeting Wednesday to get updates and ask questions, the fire team said in its online report Tuesday. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at Creede High School, 308 La Garita St.

The three fires — West Fork, Windy Pass and Papoose — have consumed 109,049 acres and are 19 percent contained. The blaze is 14.5 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs and started June 5 after a lightning strike.

On Monday evacuation orders were lifted for several communities. Wirtz Property, Rio Grande Reservoir), S Lazy U/Wilderness Ranch and Hermit Lakes are all still under a mandatory evacuation.

Although the next few days are expected to very dry and warm, residents are being warned of upcoming monsoon rains that will increase the risk of flash flooding and mudslides.

Some 727 personnel are working the fire, including nine hand crews, 32 fire engines and 10 helicopters.

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